Charities and groups which brighten the lives of older people will share a �153,000 windfall thanks to a fundraising campaign by Lincolnshire Co-op. EMN-180323-163327001

Published:12:00Saturday 24 March 2018

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Charities and groups which brighten the lives of older people will share a £153,000 windfall thanks to a fundraising campaign by Lincolnshire Co-op.

Groups which support seniors in and around Horncastle, Market Rasen, Louth, Skegness, Sleaford and Boston areas will all benefit from a share of the six-figure total.

• In the Horncastle area, the groups are Age UK Lindsey including Horncastle Luncheon Club; Woodhall Spa Community lunch for older people (£7,918.35), Coningsby Luncheon Club (£1,654.39) and Coningsby and Tattershall Lions Club (£649.98).

• In Rasen, Market Rasen Salvation Army Lunch Club (£1,260.37).

• In the Louth area, the groups are Access Seniors in Alford (£686.53) and Trusthorpe Methodist Church (£686.53).

• In the Skegness area, the groups are Age UK Lindsey including Skegness Community lunch for older people (£7,918.35); Access Seniors in Alford (£686.53); Spilsby Lunch Club (£614.61); Welton-le-Marsh Friendship Club (£614.60); Skegness Day Centre (£1,415.34) and Burgh-le-Marsh Luncheon Club (£819.13).

• In the Sleaford area, the groups are Navenby Friendship Club (£772.86), Great Hale Luncheon Club (£452), Metheringham Over 60s Club (£1,652.18), Lunch Bunch in Ruskington (£1,248.27) and Forget-me-not Teas in Heckington (£554.32).

• In the Boston area, the groups are Come And Meet Each Other in Boston (£991.64), and Wrangle Luncheon Club (£1,296.08).

Together with members and colleagues, Lincolnshire Co-op has raised money for 63 friendship groups and lunch clubs working in and around the county.

Loneliness and isolation is a problem for many older people in their communities, and it can affect their health and wellbeing.

Local charities and lunch clubs around the area provide support and help at home, fun activities and friendship, but they need fundraising donations and dedicated volunteers to keep running these valued services.

Through Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme, a donation was made each time a member shopped in one of the Society’s outlets from December until March.

More than 156,000 members helped raise the total by shopping at Lincolnshire Co-op outlets, and proceeds from the carrier bag levy and staff fundraising also went into the pot.

Now charities Community Lincs in Lincolnshire, Friendship at Home in North East Lincolnshire and Newark Live at Home, plus 60 other smaller groups and clubs across the area, are receiving a share of the money.

They’ll use it to continue making life better for over 50s in their communities.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s community engagement manager, Sam Turner, said: “These charities, groups and lunch clubs are a lifeline – there’s just no other way to describe them.

“The services they provide vary from transport to health appointments and support with tricky household tasks to the chance to keep active and have fun.

“Even a simple chat with a volunteer makes a huge difference to someone who’s feeling lonely.

“Some of the people we met said they’d be sitting alone at home if these groups didn’t exist.

“They really do brighten lives and the money we’ve raised together will help more people benefit from them. They’re always looking for volunteers, so if you’re interested you could contact your nearest group.”

Community Lincs helps people set up their own volunteer-run Good Neighbour Scheme in their area to provide transport, help and friendship.

It’s received more than £78,000 which was presented at a meeting for Gosberton and Quadring Good Neighbour Scheme, one of the newest to have been set up.

Chief executive of Community Lincs, Gail Jackson, said the money would help sustain and develop its services.

Gail said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen as Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions.

“This support will enable the Community Lincs Good Neighbour scheme to thrive for years to come; allowing us to develop new schemes and work with more communities across Lincolnshire.”

Jane Brigginshaw is chairperson and volunteer co-ordinator for Gosberton and Quadring Good Neighbour Scheme, which after months of preparation is now serving the area and has been given £500 from the fundraising total.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see local people supporting us with some more funds to change people’s lives and strengthen the community, and help people to take ownership of their community.

“This money is also a great boost for our volunteers, who’ve worked so hard to make this scheme happen.”

Friendship at Home provides workshops and sessions, from bingo to belly dancing, to help over 50s stay fit and have fun.

It’s received almost £12,000 which will help more people access its services including its summer and Christmas parties.

Operational manager, Lyse Stephenson, said: “We’re all astounded and can’t wait to share the news with all our members.

“It will make such a difference to so many older people, not only at our two parties but on a weekly basis as we plan to use the money to continue and expand a social group of ours in Cleethorpes.

“The two parties make a huge difference to so many – each is attended by 150 older people – and we’re hoping to bring more of our members to them and reduce any barriers by doing things like providing transport.”